UTEP is one of the few teams in the country that doesn't have a bye this season and there was some worry that could put it at a competitive disadvantage.

Two weeks ago the Miners were banged up and in need of some time off, but they have played through it, won, and now they are getting to healthy again.

"I saw an article in the Wall Street Journal about byes," coach Mike Price said. "Your winning percentage is better (before a bye) than after a bye. We're in a good rhythm. We have good confidence. We're keeping everything on the same schedule."

UTEP will likely be without injured centers Tanner Cullumber and Eloy Atkinson, safety Brandon Miller and receiver Russell Carr. All are fairly close to returning.

Myers ready

Leilyon Myers has scored UTEP's last three rushing touchdowns and has established himself as the team's short-yardage back. He says UAB presents a unique challenge.

"They do like to attack the runner; they do come downhill," he said. "That fires me up. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Once a Miner ...

UAB defensive line coach Lorenzo Costantini lettered for UTEP from 1986-89, then served as a strength coach (1995) and defensive line coach (1996-99) for the Miners. He was a member of UTEP's 1988 Independence Bowl squad.

Vittatoe milestones

With almost every touchdown pass, Trevor Vittatoe will catch some big names on the NCAA all-time list as he enters the day tied with Tennessee's Peyton Manning and Marshall's Byron Leftwich for 21st with 89.

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One touchdown would tie him with Kansas' Todd Reesing (2006-09), two would tie him with Houston's David Klingler (1988-91) and five with Brigham Young's Max Hall (2007-09).

He is 25th on the NCAA's career yardage list with 11,260 yards, right behind a pair of Western Michigan alums. He needs 39 yards to tie Tim Lester (1996-99) and 69 to tie Tim Hiller.

Record watch

Donald Buckram (3,267 career all-purpose yards) needs 60 yards to catch Robert Elliott (1974-77) for ninth on the Miner all-time list. One touchdown would give him 21 and tie him with Owen Price (1938-41) for sixth. His 2,188 rushing yards are eighth, 133 behind Pug Gabriel (1947-50) for seventh.

Bret Bloomquist may be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; 546-6359.